Johnny Gaudreau's widow posts moving tribute: 'We are going to make you proud'

On Saturday, Meredith Gaudreau, widow of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau, publicly shared her heartfelt tribute for the first time since her husband's tragic death. In her emotional message, she expressed deep gratitude for the "best years of [her] life."

Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, were tragically killed by an alleged drunk driver while biking in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The brothers had been in town for their sister’s wedding, scheduled for Friday. State police have charged a 43-year-old man from Woodstown, New Jersey, with two counts of vehicular homicide in connection with their deaths.

Meredith Gaudreau took to Instagram to share her touching tribute, accompanied by several cherished family photos.

"Thank you for the best years of my life," Meredith Gaudreau wrote. "Even though I’ve lost you, I still consider myself the luckiest girl in the world to have been yours. I love you so, so much. You were perfect; some days it felt too good to be true. I love every single thing about you. You are my forever, and I can’t wait to be with you again. I love you so much, forever and ever."

Johnny Gaudreau is also survived by the couple’s two young children, Noa and Johnny. In a separate Instagram post, Meredith Gaudreau paid tribute to his legacy as a devoted father.

“The absolute best dad in the world,” Meredith Gaudreau wrote. “So caring and loving. The best partner to navigate parenthood with. John never missed a single appointment, was exceptional at putting the baby to sleep, and was the apple of Noa’s eye. I love how much she resembles him. We will make you proud. We love you so, so much, Daddy.”